I took my son to visit my husband, the commander, but the guard blocked us at the gate and said, “His girlfriend is inside the unit. No visitors!” I covered my son’s ears, called my second brother, and

Her brother’s trust almost did.

She looked back at Ethan. He was awake now, sitting quietly and watching her.

“Mom,” he whispered, “does Dad have another family?”

Olivia turned toward him completely. She climbed into the back seat, wrapped her arms around him, and held him until his trembling eased.

“No,” she said. “He has made a terrible mess. But you continue reading …